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The Queen’s Guard (Transcript) 3/3

A Quinn Original, Narrated by Andrew Scott

✦A/N: Some girlies cannot access audio-based media for a multitude of reasons, so I figured I’d type it for you all to enjoy. Glory to Mr. Andrew Scott. Also, Quinn is an audio-erotica platform. I don't make the rules. Originally written by Tyler McCall.

✦***Please note that only Robb speaks in this entire story. All quotations and dialogue are from him. He does have conversations with other people, but their parts of dialogue were not recorded, so it’s up to you to fill in the blanks. All notes are from him. The entire story is from his perspective.

✦Tags from the app (spoilers, obviously):[M4F] [Narration] [Audiobook] [Historical] [Enemies to Lovers] [Kissing] [Fingering] [Penetration] [Multiple Orgasms] [On Top] [L-Bombs]

✦WC: 4.4k

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Episode Three: The Revolution (3/3)

✦•·Who will win: The Queen, or The Resistance?·•✦

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

The Queen’s guard… I knew it was a foolish idea to stay here– I knew that–

(Mira and Robb stand surrounded by The Queen’s guard.)

Wait… these aren’t the night watchmen… These men… these men, they report… to Arthur…

“Arthur.”

“Alright, I’m gonna need you to follow my lead, Mira, dear. Do you trust me? Do you trust me?”

“Good. Alright. We’re in a bad position; I am The Queen’s protector and I’ve just been caught in the throne room kissing her sworn enemy. Where’s your sword?”

“Oh, really? The one time I’d actually like you to be armed and you’ve left it at the safe house.”

“No, I guess it isn’t the time to be talking about this, but we will be discussing this later.”

“Arthur. I saw you and your men go to bed hours ago and yet here you are, wide awake and fully dressed in armor– it’s almost as though you were expecting to have a fight this evening.”

“Hmm. A traitor. Interesting choice of words. It isn’t any of your concern what I was doing with Mira when you entered the throne room, Arthur, what matters is that I have done what Her Majesty has requested of me. You, on the other hand, you so readily use the word ‘traitor’ and yet– do you not think it might describe yourself?”

“What I mean, Arthur, is that I’ve had the sense that something has been happening in the palace behind my back for quite some time. Passing information to The Queen behind my back– spreading lies about The Resistance’s activities through the palace– crafting a false narrative about them for The Queen– I’d say that makes you a traitor, Arthur. Don’t play the fool with me– you’ve wanted to be The Queen’s protector for years. A bit more prestigious than leading The Queen’s guard, don’t you think?”

“No, I’m not defending Mira. She fled court and joined The Resistance, I will not deny that. She needs to stand in front of The Queen and answer for those decisions– All she has wanted is for the people of this kingdom to prosper. What have you ever wanted, Arthur, beyond your own advancement? I don’t want to fight you, Arthur, but you know I will if I must and I hope you remember from our recent practice that I will defeat you.”

(Arthur draws his sword.)

“You’re sure you want this?”

“Alright. I had really meant to avoid this, Arthur, but–”

(Robb draws his sword.)

“You leave me no choice.”

(Metal rings out as the two of them fight.)

“Arthur. Don’t make me kill you. You will not touch her. Just turn yourself into The Queen and admit– admit to what you’ve been doing– the chaos you’ve created for your own benefit. Come on, Arthur.”

(Robb strikes Arthur, his sword clinging to the palace floor.)

“I have you now. You’re disarmed. Surrender.”

(Arthur charges towards Robb.)

“Arthur… You should’ve surrendered… You didn’t need to die…”

“Alright, Mira. We don’t have a choice now. We’ll have to fight our way out of here.”

“Here. Use Arthur’s sword. And stay close.”

(Mira and Robb face The Queen’s guard, charging forward, their swords drawn.)

“On your right! Your right! Mira! At my back! My back! Get over here!”

“Throw your weight against me and use me as leverage to kick him.”

“Now finish him! Finish him!”

“That’s my girl. Mira! Mira, behind you!”

“Mira!”

(Mira’s sword clangs to the ground.)

“Alright, you’ve disarmed her. Leave her alone and come fight me.”

“Don’t be a coward about it.”

(Robb lets out a gasp.)

“Don’t worry about me, Mira. Don’t worry. Mira, run! Run!”

(Mira runs out of the throne room, leaving Robb on the floor.)

“A good move, I’ve got to hand it to you. What are you waiting for? You look green. I’m guessing you’ve never killed a man this close to you, have you? It’s bad form to draw it out this long, you know.”

(The swish of a blade can be heard.)

“Oh, shit, Mira. Did you have that dagger on you this entire time?”

“I suppose it was stupid of me to really think you’d have come here completely unarmed. Impressive work with such a small blade, I have to hand it to you.”

“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, I’m fine.”

“He landed a pretty strong blow to my ribs. I'll be bruised tomorrow, but nothing serious.”

“Well… we're really in it now, huh?”

“Of course I fought for you. I couldn’t let them… I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if… if… It was the only option.”

“Trust me, I absolutely believe you could’ve taken them all single handedly, I just like to think I made it a little easier for you. But, Mira, you can’t be here when The Queen arrives– she’ll be too angry to make a rational decision. You’ve got to let me smooth things over first. I… I do still believe I can change her mind. I have to– and clearly, Arthur has been in her ear, fueling her eyre against The Resistance and against you. If I can explain everything, I can… I need to try– but I need you to trust me, Mira. I need you to actually listen to me this time, do you promise that you’ll do as I say?

“Good. Good. I need you out of the palace before The Queen discovers what’s happened– somewhere hidden. I have a safe house I keep on the opposite side of town. If you exit the palace from the back, you’ll just take a right and follow the path behind the hill. I’ll come and find you after I speak to her. I’ll see you soon, Mira.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Your Majesty, I believe I’ve uncovered a conspiracy here at court being run by Arthur. He had been passing false information to you, all with the purpose of making you believe that The Resistance was more dangerous to your reign than it actually is.”

“It's true that they have been openly critical of your policies, but I believe they mean well. They have been giving provisions to those in need–”

“Mira? Yes, yes, it was Mira who showed me this, but, Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes that day in the market. People are starving and sick– and there were even members of the court in line waiting for food.”

“No– respectfully, Your Majesty, I don’t believe Mira was manipulating me. As I’ve just said, I believe it was Arthur who was manipulating you. We had a confrontation and he attacked, forcing me to fight him, and I regret that this was the outcome but he refused to yield.”

“Oh, yes, yes, yes. Yes, I acted alone.”

“Alright, yes, Your Majesty, Mira was here too.”

“No, I’ve only asked her to leave because I knew you would be angry when you discovered what happened here and I wanted the opportunity to tell you the truth about Arthur.”

“Wh– what, you knew… what Arthur was doing?”

“Your Majesty, why– why would–”

“Well, it very much matters to me.”

“You knew there was a conspiracy unfolding right here in court and you said nothing?”

“So you knew that Arthur lied about The Resistance and yet you still–”

“But how can you still want Mira dead? How can you not want to hear her out? Unless you–”

“Oh, my God. Oh. No, nothing, Your majesty. You’re right, I’ve been impertinent to question so much.”

“This is my mistake. Let me fix it. I know where Mira is hiding. I’ll… I'll go and make sure this is finished. For good. I’ll go right now, Your Majesty. You won't see me again until I’ve done what I must do.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Mira?”

“Oh, good, you’re here. Thank God.”

(Robb exhales in relief at the sight of Mira.)

“I’m here earlier than I expected but The Queen woke at a very unusual hour.”

“She… she said she knew about Arthur. That he had been acting on her command. She knew you had been there. She said she… she still wants you dead.”

“I swore to her that I would come and find you and put an end to all of this.”

(Mira stumbles backwards, away from Robb.)

“What are you doing? Mira. Mira, no, no, no. No, you misunderstand me. No. I didn't come here to kill you. Get back up on your feet, please.”

“Mira. Mira, Mira– listen… You were right. You were right about everything. Once Arthur showed up in the throne room, I thought I had worked it out– it was so obvious to me that he was expecting to find you in there. Letting you get so far into the palace was a trap– but then– but then I’d told The Queen what he had been up to and she knew– she knew, Mira, not an ounce of shock on her face. Quite the opposite, if anything, she looked disappointed that I’d figured it out, and the thing is… I was wrong. I was wrong. Arthur wasn’t tracking you… he was tracking me. He let you live because he knew I would end up putting myself in a compromising position– that I would try to bargain for you and condemn myself in the process– and if The Queen knew that Arthur was doing that, then he was doing that with her permission. Do you see? Mira, do you understand now? The trap was for me. The Queen was working with Arthur to set me up. I realized something talking to her just now– I’m the only person who remembers who she was before she took the throne. Besides you, I’m the only one with any memories of who she was before the crown rested on her head. The person that she used to be. You, of course, made yourself an enemy of the crown years ago when you left court and joined The Resistance but I was a stickier problem for her. That's why she tasked me with finding you and bringing you to court, Mira, that’s why Arthur didn’t kill you the moment he found you. The Queen was sure I wouldn’t be able to complete the mission she set in front of me. She knew that I would try to reason with you, that I would do anything to keep you alive, because she knew something about me that I couldn’t admit, not even to myself. She knew that I was in love with you. That I’m in love with you still. Even now. I’ve spent every single day these past years convincing myself that I hate you. That I could never forgive you for what you did to The Queen. I told myself all we had was a distraction, a way of passing the time, that you meant nothing to me, that I had been a fool to ever let a traitor like you into my bed, and I was. I was a fool, Mira. I was a fool not to tell you then while you were still at court that I love you. Even when I could feel it in every beat of my heart. You should’ve known, every day, every moment that you were in my arms what you meant to me. I should never have wasted all that time I had with you making myself believe that my feelings for you were something I could ignore. You should never have left court believing that you were nothing to me when what we had meant everything. When you left… you broke my heart, Mira. That’s what I was angry about. Not The Queen, not The Resistance… Just selfishly, so incredibly selfishly... myself. I understand that now, Mira, I do, and seeing you again… It’s brought everything back. When I look at you it's like… like you never left. You’re a piece of me, Mira. No– No. You’re all the best pieces of me and now that you've returned I can feel all that again. Just so much of myself that I shut off to survive, so… so I understand now. And you were right. The Queen, she’s so far gone now I don't recognize any of the parts of the person that I used to know. She’s driven her kingdom into ruin for her own gain and she leaves people to suffer so that she can indulge in whatever she’d like. She’s bloodthirsty and ruinous and you’ve helped me to see that. The fight that you’ve been fighting… it's a righteous one. You’re not the enemy of the people, you’re their savior. To be honest, I don't really give a damn about The Resistance, but I would burn it all down for you, Mira. I would raise the entire system to the ground because I believe in you… and because I love you. My God, I love you so much that I don’t know how I could stand being without you for so long.”

(Robb lets out a shaky breath.)

“I know that was a lot…”

(Robb laughs gently.)

“Is that all– is that alright?”

(Mira stands in front of Robb, closing the gap between them as she presses her lips against his.)

“Mira…”

“We don’t have to say that, alright?”

“Oh, thank God you do.”

(Robb kisses Mira’s forehead, holding her gently.)

“We’ve wasted so much time…”

“You wanted to bring me with you when you left the palace?”

‘Well, no, you were right, I needed to go through all of this to really see her for what she is. I wasn’t ready to question my loyalty then. But we don’t have to be apart anymore, Mira, somewhere safe, somewhere away from all of this.”

“No, I– I thought you might reduce. I know you’d never abandon The Resistance, but… well… I had to try. I know what’s left for The Resistance to do. I know you’re meant to overthrow The Queen.”

“You’ve set things in motion already? Oh, Mira… Mira, please, I know this is a lot to ask… can’t you let the others do it? We’ve risked so much already fighting The Queen’s guards, things won’t be safe for you inside the palace, she knows you’re out there and she knows you won't stop until you take her down. She’ll have gathered more forces by now, the others in The Resistance, they may have a better shot, but you’ve got a huge target on your back, Mira, stay here with me.”

“I know, I know, I know you can’t, I just want you to be safe. I just… I can’t lose you… No, I can’t, not again, not this time.

“I hope you can understand something; you’ve had years to contemplate ending The Queen’s reign and I’ve barely had a few hours– Look, look, I don’t think I’m ready to witness her end, not yet, I know she’s not the person she used to be but I haven’t forgotten that person, I haven’t mourned her yet– I’m not a coward, I hope you don’t think I’m a coward, Mira, but I can't bring The Queen down with my own hand.”

“I saw the way you handled The Queen’s guardsmen. You don’t need me anymore.”

“Thanks for understanding. I won’t keep you from doing what you must do, but be careful.”

(Robb kisses Mira again.)

“Mira? I love you.”

“Alright, now, go finish this once and for all.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

It’s barely been half an hour, Robb. Hold yourself together.

But you let Mira walk headfirst into a fire alone… No, no, no, no. She’s a fighter. You saw how she handled those men at the palace, she could’ve taken them all single handedly. She’s the strongest person you’ve ever met.

And The Queen… Oh, my God. Oh, be honest, Robb. You knew things were going wrong before Mira ever left the palace. You could see how hard Her Majesty was making things for the people. You heard rumors of their suffering, you just blocked it out. And she could be cruel in her youth, but you never could’ve anticipated that she would turn into The Queen that reigns now. But it happened, Robb, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Except… Except there is something you can do about it. I can help Mira…

For Mira…

(Robb unsheathes his sword.)

And for the people.

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(Shouts of battle ring out around Robb as weapons clang and men fall to their deaths.)

“Mira?”

“Move! Move. Make way, make way. I’m The Queen’s… just move!”

There she is… She’s got The Queen on her knees… She did it.

“Mira… My God, Mira, I knew you could do it. I’m so proud of you.”

“Your Majesty. Yes, I suppose it is true, I did betray you, but you betrayed me first. You betrayed all of us. All of us. Look at what you’ve done to your people. Look at how you’ve treated them, how they’ve suffered under your hand. I was blind to it for so long, I forced myself not to see what was right in front of me, but I can’t anymore. I’ve seen The Resistance at work and I’ve seen how they would improve the lives of everyone in the kingdom, even now– even in a fight for their lives, they spill so little blood. They aim to capture rather than kill their enemies. Would you have granted that kind of mercy?”

“You wouldn't have. You are determined to destroy anyone who dares to rise against you no matter the cost. You would’ve ended Miras life, and for what? For the crime of knowing who you used to be. You would’ve ended mine. Well, it's fitting, then, that your fate is quite literally in Mira’s hand right now. I once demanded that she beg for my forgiveness in front of this very throne. I think now it's your turn. No, it would be too much of me to expect that you could humble yourself even with a sword at your throat. So Mira. This is your decision then, and yours alone. What will you do with her?”

“Imprisoned and tried in open court? Well, that’s a kindness that you do not deserve, Your Majesty. Rosaline.”

(A gasp can be heard among the people.)

“I will never forget who you once were. I can only hope one day you’ll be able to remember for yourself Here are the keys to the dungeon. They belong to The Resistance now. Take her away, Mira.”

(Cheers ring out among the people.)

“Any other captives from The Queen’s guard should be taken down as well. There'll be plenty of room for them all when you release those unjustly imprisoned.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Enjoying the party, Mira?”

(A soft lull of cheerful voices can be heard around Robb and Mira. The two of them sit in front of a fire, a gentle glow casted on their faces as the embers crackle and burst in front of them, ash rising up to the evening sky.)

“Good. You deserve to be happy.”

“Me? Oh. Well, it’s strange, If you’d have asked me even yesterday I don’t think I could’ve imagined a world where I would be celebrating the downfall of The Queen. But celebrating your victory– well, nothing has ever felt more right. You’re a force, Mira. You’re the strongest person that I’ve ever known. It's an honor to have played even a small part in your story. I’m so proud of you. But I know that there’s a lot happening, and a lot needs to happen still, and I know that this was very much a collaboration with The Resistance, but… I hope you feel proud of yourself too. And these coming weeks, months, they’re going to be intense. Rewarding, but intense. I’ll do whatever you need me to do to make sure you can find that time to celebrate your own accomplishments, your own bravery. Let me take things off your plate. Don't feel you have to go it alone. You’ve been doing this on your own for so long. But you have me now. I won’t leave your side.”

“You’re welcome, Mira.”

“Now, if I may be so bold, we started something last night… something that I’d very much like to finish. I would hate to pull you away from your celebrations, but… do you think–”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, well. Let’s go.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

(The door to Robb’s room swings open with a gentle creaking.)

“Mira… Mira, I’m glad you want this as much as I do but there’s no rush… there’s no rush. We have all the time in the world now, we’re safe. We’re safe.”

(Robb kisses Mira gently, holding her face in his hands.)

“Let me take my time with you, I want to savor every second of this.”

“I’ve missed this so much.”

“Even before you’d left, we always had to take our moments where we could get them, sneaking around the palace and making it as quick as we possibly could. Well, not tonight, Mira. Tonight you’re all mine, and I'm all yours.”

“Can I undress you? Thank you.”

“You’re even more ravishing than I remember. Look at you. Look at how beautifully your body bears the marks of everything you’ve been through. Like this scar here. These stretch marks, this dimple. This dimple right here, it always used to drive me so crazy, even just remembering it.”

“I hope you know what a privilege it is to see you like this. To have my lips on your skin and my hands sliding along your curves and your breasts. I need my tongue on them if you’ll let me.”

“Thank you.”

“God, those noises you make. I can’t tell you how many nights I was awake touching myself and thinking about each little sigh and breath that you’d take, and how you’d gasp as I slipped my hand onto your lower back.”

“Oh, you’d like my hands lower? I can do that for you. God, you’re so warm. I feel it radiating off of you. Do you like it when I touch you like that?”

“That’s it. How does it feel when I move my fingers like this?”

“You’re so close already, aren’t you, my love?”

“Good. Well, this time you have to wait for me to tell you when you can cum.”

“I want you ready for when I finally take you again. You like that, do you? You like the idea of that? Cum for me. Let me hear you. I don’t want you to hold back. There you go.”

“That’s just the beginning. Would you like me to fuck you?”

“Well, I’ll take that as a yes. Hang on one moment. Look me in the eye. I love you. All those other times we were together I felt it then and I never said it but I need to say it now. I never want to miss an opportunity to say it again… I love you, Mira.”

“You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that.”

“Fuck, yes, please straddle me, just like that. Oh, the view from here is incredible, watching you take me in like that, slowly, slowly, slowly, slowly, don’t rush it. You can have it all soon enough. Yes, my love, just like that. Oh, you’ve got me so deep. So deep now. Here, let me hold your hips and I can… fuck up into you like this.”

“Like this…”

“So close, but I need another orgasm from you, Mira. If I slip my hand between us, can you cum like that? For me? Oh, God you feel so good, I feel you, I feel you all over me Mira. Oh perfect, roll your hips, yeah, just like that. Yeah. Yeah. Cum with me. Cum with me, Mira, yes. I feel you, I can feel you. Yeah, I–”

“Oh, my…”

“That was even better than I remembered it. Oh, my God… And trust me, I remember it being outrageously good. Did you feel it too?”

“Good, I’m glad… Wow… I think it’s because that was the first time I didn’t have anything I was trying to hide from you. Stay with me tonight, Mira. When this is all over I want you in my bed with me, no sneaking out before the sun rises, no pretending that we aren't together– from this moment forward I want to be by your side and I want everyone to know that I love you. Is that alright with you?”

“Perfect… alright…. Well, I don’t want you to miss any of your party. You deserve to be out there with everyone soaking it all in. But… I still have many more things that I want to do with you.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Notes from Robb on the day of Beltaine in the first year of The Democracy:

Preparations for tonight’s festival are well underway and it might be the biggest that the people have seen yet. No one has stopped celebrating since that fateful morning that The Resistance took over the palace, and the holiday feels like a mere excuse to make the parties even bigger than they have been. It's still early days in The Democracy but already it thrives under Mira’s leadership. I wasn’t surprised when she was elected as its leader. She and the other officials have reversed all but the most necessary of tariffs, canceled the restrictions and the guilds, and overturned most of the laws enacted under the former queen. Doctors have been sent to every corner of the land and food stores redistributed. It will take till Autumn for the markets to return to normal, but even so, no one starves anymore.

Rosaline awaits her day in court, but from what I hear, she’s treated well. I must confess that I’m still not ready to face her. THe idea that she might still be unrelenting in her beliefs is too depressing.

Even several weeks later, it feels strange not to add the title of Protector in front of my name. Though, unofficially, I think of myself as Mira’s protector. She doesn’t need me. In all honesty, she probably never did. Fortunately, I have ways of convincing her to take breaks from time to time. In fact, I think it's time I pulled her away from her duties now before the celebration begins this evening. You know what? Let me grab a few of these leather laces she keeps leaving around.

#andrew scott #quinn #Andrew Scott x reader #the queen's guard #hot priest #all of us strangers #smithereens #Andrew Scott the queen's guard #Andrew Scott blurb #Andrew Scott smut #Andrew Scott nsfw #<3

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kenposting · 8 months ago

Text

The Queen’s Guard (Transcript) 2/3

A Quinn Original, Narrated by Andrew Scott

✦Tags from the app (spoilers, obviously): [M4F] [Narration] [Historical] [Enemies to Lovers] [MDom] [Begging] [Kissing] [Fingering] [Throne] [Cliffhanger]

✦WC: 4.5k

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Episode Two: The Resistance (2/3)

✦•·You can’t stop taunting Robb with your presence, but this game is becoming more dangerous by the day.·•✦

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Notes from Robb the Protector on the 4th day of Spring on the 19th year of Her Majesty’s reign:

It was foolish of me to ever think Mira could be talked into retreating. She’s always been one of the most headstrong people I’ve ever known. But she’s clearly only grown ever more stubborn since leaving court. Sneaking into the palace to leave me a letter; and it could only have been Mira who left it. There’s no one remaining at court who would’ve delivered something like that and kept it a secret. It was beyond reckless – especially when she knows all of The Queen’s guard is looking for her.

It’s just like Mira, though… to defy orders like this. In a way I must confess it’s a relief to know that she hasn’t changed in the years she’s been away. There’s almost something reassuring in knowing that in many ways she’s the same woman I knew. The same woman I…

Mira is exactly the same, and if Mira is exactly the same, then I can be sure – absolutely sure that she won’t leave the city. I can still… feel her in the palace.

Maybe I’m cracking under the strain, maybe I’m only being fancifull, but it’s like there’s a tether tying me to Mira and her end is constantly tugging at me. Sometimes it feels so close I could reach out and grab her and other times so far that I feel it only as a wiper but it’s always there.

And Mira’s boldness is clearly inspiring the rest of The Resistance. Even the lowest members of The Queen’s guard are receiving word that The Resistance is getting ever closer to the city walls. In nearby provinces, members of The Resistance are acting out in the open, no longer bothering to hide their movement or their recruitment. It can only be a sign that they feel surer than ever about their success. As to what they want, within court, whispers are that t\The Resistance won’t stop at abdication – the fear is that their goal is assassination. I cannot allow that to happen. If The Queen is harmed in any way it will be a serious failure on my part. That is why I have to find Mira – if I can find Mira, maybe I can get her out of the city and –

(A knock is heard at the door.)

“Come in?”

“Oh, Arthur. You again. What can I do for you?”

“The Queen wishes to see me? What, so soon?”

“Alright…”

“Alright, yes, I’ll be there in a moment.”

She must want the report on Mira… I have to stop Mira, that’s my only choice. ALright. This time I’m sure I have all the most current reports that The Queen will have. No surprises this time.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Your Majesty, apologies for my delay.”

“You’re right, it isn’t like me to keep you waiting. I wanted to make sure that I was up to date on the situation so that I wouldn’t be–”

“Yes, surprised like last time, yes.”

“I admit, Your Majesty, that most of this mission has been out of character for me, I’m not sure why that’s the case but… please know I am working to make sure it won’t keep happening.”

“No, Your Majesty, it isn’t Mira, any affinity I had towards her died the day she abandoned–”

(Whispers can be heard among the court.)

“My Queen… that’s not something that you have to worry about…”

“Where is she? She’s– um, well, she’s in the city somewhere… it’s true, she isn't here in court. Yes, it is my mission to bring her to court, and I will not fail at that mission, Your Majesty, I just need a little more time. You remember Mira, she’s… she’s clever.”

“No, Your Majesty, certainly not more clever than you.”

“Cleverer than me? Well, it would be foolish of me not to recognize that.”

“Yes… Mira could oftentimes prove herself to be cleverer than me.”

(Shouting can be heard among the court.)

“I do not mean to imply that I am not up to the task at hand, Your Majesty, I am merely admitting to my own weaknesses – to prove that you can trust me to know them. It is possible for me to outsmart Mira, it might just take a little more time, that’s all.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, it’s generous of you to grant me your patience… In the meantime, however, I did have something that I hoped to discuss with you. Something I discovered during my search for Mira.”

(Whispers can be heard among the court.)

“Well… I… I went into town having received word that Mira had found a safehouse nearby. I began asking around to see if anyone had heard from her and I concluded the best place to start was at the milliner’s. You remember that Mira was good friends with his daughter. Almost as close with her as she was with you.”

(Shouting can be heard among the court.)

“I… I apologize, Your Majesty, I didn’t mean to be so familiar. Well, when I went to the milliner’s, his daughter was the only one there. As it turns out, the milliner died of the coughing sickness this past Winter, Your Majesty. In fact, many of the town’s citizens suffered from what should’ve been a mild illness because they couldn't pay for help or for medicine.”

“What? You knew? But… but… there was never any mention of it in court.

“No, of course, as queen it is your duty to know everything that happens in your kingdom, I didn’t mean to imply otherwise, it’s just– If you knew… forgive me Your Majesty, but if you knew that your citizens were suffering was there nothing that we could do for them? Provide them with care? I know that your regulations of the guild served an important purpose but perhaps we could’ve lightened them temporarily to give the merchants a reprieve while they–”

“Your Majesty, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I…”

“No! No, of course not, I don’t believe I know better than you, I just– I would never, never, accuse Your Majesty of anything– you know the kingdom better than anyone, but… but… but the people, Your Majesty. Your people. They rely on you to keep them healthy, to keep them… safe. Businesses in town are closing at an alarming rate, their families are starving. People are dying. You… when you took the crown, you swore to serve the people. I know I am speaking out of turn, Your Majesty, but… I cannot see people suffer in silence.”

(Whispers can be heard among the court.)

“My oath– my oath was to protect you from any harm, to support you in anyway possible–”

“...No, I suppose questioning you is not supporting you…”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I know. I know that The Resistance has created many problems for you and for the kingdom. I understand that you must do whatever you need to stop them, even if it is uncomfortable for our people, and I understand that it is my duty to do the same.”

“Yes, without question, I… I apologize, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, the next time you see me, I will have Mira with me. I will not fail. You have my word.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Robb, what were you thinking? Questioning The Queen in open court like that in front of everyone… I just… I just can’t believe The Queen knew what was happening in the town… Knew that her people were suffering, and she did nothing. What reason could she possibly have for not helping the townspeople? How could it help The Resistance to make sure that her people are well?

I know it's treason to even think these questions out loud… but maybe I can’t believe that I didn't know what was happening in the town. All intelligence to the palace is meant to come through me, which can only mean that there are people delivering messages to Her Majesty without me knowing. There is something else going on inside the palace– something not related to The Resistance.

It’s almost as if… what the…

If I didn't know any better… It smells like Mira here…

No. No that's ridiculous, it could be any court here.

But then, Mira always loved this particular scene, Honeysuckle… Honeysuckle. It was her favorite, lingers in the air…

This whole Mira thing is clearly getting to me. Just knowing she’s nearby, it's making me imagine things that aren’t there. Mira's Bold, but not bold enough to sneak around the palace in the middle of the day.

Alright. I need to work off some of this frustration. Clear my mind.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

(The distant metal clanging of swords can be heard.)

Alright, this is just what I need. The chance to get some good hits in, make sure my swordwork is sharp. Mira is good, but I’m better. She learned from me, afterall. Just need to grab one of my blunted swords from the wall.

A leather lace tied around the handle of my practice weapon… It’s just like the one left in my room… and just like the one I used to use to tie her hands behind her back… Oh, Mira…

I can’t believe she’s be so foolish as to wander through the training ring where anyone form The Queen’s guard could–

“Oh, good day, Arthur, good day.”

“Yes, I thought it would be a good day to get some swordwork in. I felt so cooped up all Winter, it’s nice to get outside even if there’s still a bit of a chill.”

“That? Oh, it’s nothing, it’s just a leather lace I found on the ground. Wouldn’t want it lying around to trip someone up, right, Arthur?” “Anyways, I’ll just, ah, wrap it around the handle of my sword, keep it out of the way. Could come in use for later, I’m sure.”

“One of Mira’s?”

(Robb laughs nervously.)

“No, I think this hunt for The Resistance has your imagination running wild, Arthur.”

“No, I’m just gonna swap my sword for a blunt one. Wouldn’t want to hurt anyone.”

“You know, as a matter of fact, I was looking for a partner to do some sparring with.”

“No, Arthur, I’m not rusty, it’s just always good to keep your skills fresh, don’t you think? Here, I’ll prove it to you. Looks like there’s a spot open over there.”

“Right… here we are. Well, let’s take out starting stances. On my count. Three. Two–”

(Arthur swings his sword at Robb.)

“I said on my count, Arthur, you came in a bit early there.”

“Mistake, was it? Right. Well, it’s easy enough to be off-count, I suppose. Didn’t give you much of an advantage over me, obviously.”

(Robb and Arthur continue sword fighting.)

“Speaking of which, Arthur, I’ve been meaning to ask you– If you knew Mira was in the city, why didn’t you come to me directly with that information?”

“As The Queen’s protector, I must receive all news relevant to Her Majesty’s safety. And yet, you allowed me to be taken completely off guard in front of The Queen the other day. To say nothing of making me look utterly incompetent, tell me, Arthur, why would you carry a message directly to The Queen and not me?”

“An oversight? Yes, I suppose with everything going on, it could be easy to forget your place.”

(A metal clang rings out and the two men pause, looking at one another.)

“That last hit was a bit hard, Arthur. Strike a nerve, did I?”

“Just remember that I am The Queen’s protector. It’s my duty to look out for Her Majesty’s safety and I cannot do that if you cannot remember how to do your job properly.”

(With a final swing of his sword, Robb disarms Arthur, knocking him to the ground.)

“Apologies, Arthur. Sometimes I forget my own strength. Thanks for the practice – and try to remember what I said.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

What the hell is Arhtur’s problem? Something isn’t right there. I’ll need to keep an eye on–

Alright. I know I made my bed up this morning… so… why is it a mess?

The sheets are rumpled, and–

Honeysuckle… They definitely smell like Mira… and they’re still warm…

She must’ve been in here while I was in the training ring. Here, in my bed, doing God only knows what…

I can’t believe she’s treating this like some kind of game… This palace is a powder keg waiting for a spark and she’s sneaking around intentionally taunting me by leaving evidence of her presence just to prove that she can get away with it. Even for Mira, this is too much. She’s going to get herself killed.

I can’t let that–

I just have to find her first.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Well, if Mira is bold enough to wander the palace while everyone’s looking for her, I very much doubt she’s even changed safe houses yet, so…

(With a sigh, Robb pushes open the wooden door in front of him.)

“Hello, Mira.”

“It's annoying enough that you refuse to leave the city, but you won’t even find yourself a new safehouse?”

“Oh, you did, alright, and yet– here you are. In the same safe house. So, what am I not following?”

“You knew I would come here? Well how could you possibly know that?”

“I got your messages, yes, is that what you call them? Sneaking around the palace? Leaving your things where anyone could see them? Crawling into my bed and– and–”

“You know what? You know what, I don't care what you did in my bed.”

‘No, no. Mira, I really don’t care, that is not why I came here– and, besides, how could you possibly know where I’d look for you?”

“Oh? I’m predictable when it comes to you? Right, so you just played me by disobeying my orders, ignoring my warnings, and making me believe you’d be foolish enough to keep the same safehouse? Fair enough. I didn't come here to play games with you, Mira, I came here because if you won’t listen to me– if you won’t leave this city, I must bring you to the court. The Queen–”

“How did you know I met with Her Majesty? Are you spying on me?”

“Did I tell her that I found you? Ah, no, Mira. Answer my question, though; how did you know I met with The Queen?”

“You know it’s infuriating to answer a question with another question, Mira? Why do you care what I discussed with Her Majesty so long as I covered for you?”

“Fine. I had hoped to buy more time by telling Her Majesty about the conditions for the people in the town.”

“Yes, she did already know about the situation, but how could you possibly know all of this?”

“You were– you were there? What the hell do you mean– ‘you were there’? What, in court?”

“Mira! I am risking everything trying to buy you time– to make you come to your senses, what good does that do if you’re sneaking into court? What if you’d been recognized? What if– what if Her Majesty had seen you?”

“It's true. Her Majesty knew about the conditions of the people,and she didn’t seem concerned– that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care, she has her reasons, I’m sure.”

“What do I know about The Resistance? I’d forgotten how your thoughts leap around so– I know The Resistance poses a grave threat to Her Majesty. They’re violent rebels planting the seeds of discontent wherever they go. The Resistance could cause the collapse of the entire kingdom.”

“What? You want me to come with you? Mira, I cannot be seen in public with you, are you mad? Mira? Mira! Where are you going?”

“Mi– Oh, fine, hold on a moment.”

“Stop giggling, I do not look ridiculous with my hood up. I told you, I can’t be seen with you. Now, show me whatever it is you’d like me to see and let’s be quick about it– then, I am serious, Mira, you have to either leave town or come back with me to the palace.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Mira, if we go any further, we’ll practically be in the woods. What’s this? What are all these people doing here, Mira?”

“None of these families can afford food? But… there are so many people in the line… I recognize some of their faces from court. These are people who serve The Queen– some of them have even served our tables.”

“But then– who are the people handing out food? Is this some kind of charity?”

“This? This is The Resistance?”

“All The Queen’s resources say that The Resistance does nothing but sew violence and unrest… No… No, I just… Mira, I cannot understand why anyone would lie about this… These people are helping out the less fortunate. They’re giving generously. Some of those things on that table would fetch a fortune in the market. Most houses haven’t seen bread in months– where is it all even coming from?”

“Oh, so The Resistance has been stealing? So it isn’t all lies?”

“Well… that's true. I have seen so much food go to rot in The Queen’s stores because we couldn’t eat it all… and I’m sure that’s no different amongst the nobles…”

“Alright. So, The Resistance is in the city taking care of families who are close to starving. But The Queen must not know that–”

“No, she can’t know, Mira! If she’s known this whole time, that would mean– that– no, I can’t think about what that would mean right now– and it’s still true that The Resistance means to overthrow Her Majesty, though, isn’t it?”

“It doesn’t matter whether I can understand why, Mira–”

“Because it doesn’t! It doesn’t – what matters is that they mean to end her reign and it is my duty to stop that from happening. I need to get back to the palace. I’ve stayed too late…”

“Come with me, Mira, please.”

“Her Majesty has tasked me with bringing you back to court. I won’t be able to cover for you much longer, and things are no longer under my control there. There’s something dangerous underneath the surface of the palace right now, I can feel it, Mira, I just can’t see it yet– but I know Her Majesty and I know she will not stop until you’re in front of her again. She will send others– she will send members of The Queen’s guard, and I still believe that if I’m the one standing beside you, she’ll hear you out. Together, we can– we can clear things up. So, come on. Come with me. Now.”

“Yeah, I was afraid you’d say that.”

“Alright. Well, at least stop sneaking into court, Mira. This isn’t a game anymore.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Alright, so The Resistance is capable of good deeds, fine. Mira isn’t evil. Surealy, there are other people in the organization like her. And maybe The Queen knew about what was going on. Or maybe those same people who have been passing information behind my back have been lying to her.

There’s something happening here that I cannot get my hands on– and until I make sense of what is happening here at court I cannot bring Mira to face some kind of punishment, I have–

(A knock is heard at the door.)

“One moment– Oh. Arthur. Please, do come in.”

“The Queen demands my presence? Alright, just– just let me–”

“What? She’s in that much of a rush? Well, fine! Fine. Lead the way, Arthur.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

(Whispers can be heard among the court.)

“Your Majesty, I hear you demand my presence.”

“The search for Mira? Yes, yes, I’m getting very close, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, its true, I did promise I’d have her with me the next time I saw you.”

“And, yes, yes, I am here without her– but to tell you the truth, Your Majesty, I didn’t expect to see you again so soon, we only just spoke this morning.”

“Well, Your Majesty, I don’t understand what you mean by that, I’ve been telling you the truth this whole time.”

“I was seen with her? With Mira?”

(Whispers can be heard among the court.)

“Oh… Yes… yes, I… I did see her this evening.”

(Shouting can be heard among the court.)

“I nearly had her convinced to return to the palace with me, but–”

“What do you mean, ‘not just tonight’? I–”

“No, your spies are correct, tonight was not the first time I saw Mira. I first ran into her at the market but I didn’t want to make scene in broad daylight– I sought out her safehouse and found her there later that night– I thought I had gotten through to her– thought I had convinced her to leave the city and abandon whatever task The Resistance had set her to, I think she just needs a little bit more time, Your Majesty– and I think there’s something else going on here! Something dangerous! Because lately I believe–”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“No, I swear to you I am not soft for her. Give me a chance to prove it, I can–”

“What do you mean, Your Majesty?”

“Your Majesty?”

“I… I have to… Must I kill her, Your Majesty?”

“I understand…”

“I must either bring in Mira’s head or… you'll take mine…”

“I will not fail you. I swear it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I'll go now.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

How can I do it? How could I kill Mira?

I know there were times after she’d left when I thought…

And she’s a traitor… It doesn't matter how many good deeds she’s done, she still betrayed her queen.

But… just… after all that history between them… To want her dead?

(A knock is heard at the door.)

“Hello?”

“Hello? Who’s there? Hello?”

(Robb opens the door.)

“There’s no one here… But…”

Mira…

You have to do this, Robb… It's your duty.

Damnit, Mira. I told you to leave.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Mira. Get down from there now.”

“Do you think you’re being cute, sitting on Her Majesty’s throne?”

“A silly chair? Oh. Well, I suppose now your treachery is complete, Mira.”

“Do you care at all about the impossible position you put me in? Do you realize the task that I have–”

“Well, if you hadn’t convinced The Queen of your treason before, this will surely cement it for her.”

“Yeah, it’s quite clear you don’t care what The Queen thinks. But what about what I think of you, Mira? Do you really not care about that?”

“You care about what I think? I don’t believe you. How can I believe you when you’ve never ever cared about me? You think you only betrayed The Queen, Mira, but you’re wrong. You betrayed me.”

“I trusted you. I allowed you to become a dangerous distraction to my sole duty in this life– to the one thing I know how to do. I gave you so much of myself. And you left me. With a note. And barely that, really, just a few words on the page. I didn't even realize what they meant until…”

“Can you imagine, Mira? Me waking up alone that morning to nothing but a scrap of parchment that said, ‘I had to’? The heat of your body still warm on my sheets and the scent of you still covering my skin? I thought it was another one of your games… And then later you were missing from the palace. And by the evening, you were a traitor, abandoning the court and The Queen. To join up with The Resistance, I– I was sure the situation was bad. I was sure everyone was mistaken, including myself, if you can imagine. I practically searched to the ends of the kingdom hoping to find you and prove everyone wrong, but no– not only was everything true, you were rapidly climbing the ranks to become a leader in the very movement trying to take down your queen with skills that I taught you. All that time together, all those hours spent training, all those nights spent– And you never even said a word about any of it to me– I thought you trusted me. I thought we trusted each other. But you betrayed me. And now? Now I have–”

“Oh, you're sorry? Now you’re sorry? After all these years?”

“Oh, you’ve been sorry? Well, now’s your chance, Mira. Prove it to me. Beg.”

“You heard me. Beg.”

“Sorry isn’t good enough. Not for the anguish I felt when you left me. You can say that it wasn’t easy for you to leave me all you want, Mira, but you still did leave me.”

“You never stopped thinking about me? About us?”

“It’s hard to believe you missed me that much, Mira. Considering…”

(Mira stands, placing her hands on Robb.)

“Mira.”

“Mira, we need to talk about this, we can’t just– we can’t–”

“No, not here, not– so many people are looking for you and we’re standing in the middle of the throne room. We should–”

(Mira leans forward, closing the gap between them.)

“Oh, your lips… they’re so soft…”

“Oh, it's been so long… Don’t think this means you’re done apologizing yet.”

“Mira, if you keep looking at me like that with your hands sliding up my thighs, I won’t be able to hold back…”

“Oh, you don’t want me to hold back?”

“Hold on– Hold on, Mira. If we’re gonna do this, I wanna do it right– sit on the throne.”

“Have you forgotten what we used to do in this room? You heard me, sit down.”

“I missed this…”

“I’ve been thinking about this since I saw you at the market. Remembering the night we spent sneaking in here and the afternoons we spent running through the halls… Your scent… I need to see you, open your legs. Can you open your legs for me?”

“Gorgeous… gorgeous… I have to taste you… Is that alright?”

“Thank you…”

“It’s even better than I remember… better than in my dreams…”

“Of course I’ve dreamt of this, Mira… Many, many, many, many times… of having you spread open for me like this, of having my tongue on you again, exploring you, feeling you… letting go, moving your hips, allowing me in… Remind me how you like it? Tell me exactly what you want.”

“You know what I want, Mira. Give in to me. I can feel how close you are. Have you been dreaming about this too?”

“Are you gonna give me what’s mine, Mira?”

“That’s it, good girl. That’s it. Give it. Give it. Let go. Let me hear you.”

“You still take my directions so well.”

(Robb looks at Mira as she shuts her eyes, clenching around his fingers.)

“That was so perfect, Mira.” “I want you too… but we should go back to my room… It’s too risky in here, take my– here– take my hand.”

“I know, I know, I know. I know we’ll have more to discuss… but I don’t think I can wait to have you in my bed again.”

(The throne room doors swing open.)

“Oh… oh my God…”

“The Queen’s guard.”

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kenposting · 9 months ago

Text

The Queen’s Guard (Transcript) 1/3

A Quinn Original, Narrated by Andrew Scott

✦Tags from the app (spoilers, obviously): [M4F] [Narration] [Audiobook] [Enemies to Lovers] [MDom] [Sword Fight] [Kissing] [Grinding] [Teasing] [Irish Accent]

✦WC: 4.6k

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Episode One: The Rebel (1/3)

✦•·Robb has been tasked with finding the leader of the growing Resistance: Mira, his former lover.·•✦

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Notes from Robb the Protector on the Day of Astara on the 19th year of Her Majesty’s reign:

Today marks the Spring Equinox, which has always been a joyous holiday in the kingdom. It should be especially wonderful this year, considering that Her Majesty will celebrate her 20th year on the throne this coming Beltaine… but most of the usual celebrations have had to be significantly scaled back, if not canceled entirely, under the threat of The Resistance.

We worked all Winter to strike at the root of the movement and still only managed to hack away a few low-hanging branches. I have served as the Queen’s Protector since her coronation at eighteen - and known her for even longer than that - and I’ve never seen a challenge to her rule quite like this. There were a few attempts on her life, which is expected over the course of a twenty year reign, but they were lone wolves, lunatics with no real motivation. This resistance, however…

When it started several years ago, we considered it the work of a few radicals; a fever that would die out quickly. Instead, it was a fire that consumed the outer rings of the kingdom. We’ve lost control of entire provinces at the fringe, places where The Resistance now rules as a cooperative. A completely ridiculous concept that cannot last for long.

Not to their grievances, The Resistance feels that The Queen has gone too far. There have been grumblings since the early days of her reign. To be sure, the heavy taxes on grain were bound to make people unhappy, especially in the country, but they were necessary. And when she confiscated most of the private lands, that was for the benefit of her people, whether they could see it or not. And when she disbanded the guilds, well, that too was for the country, not for her personal coffers. It is true that her palace has seen more splendor in these past few years, but that is her right as Queen and the people should be pleased to contribute in such a way to her image. After all, it’s an honor to have their hard work serve as a reflection of her glory.

All of that the people could bear. There were complaints, but they were minor… but The Resistance capitalized on their concerns, fanning the flames of what could and should have been a brief unhappiness, until it became a wicked storm. In the face of such a movement, what choice did The Queen have but to punish her people? If the dungeons are more full than before; if the executioner’s blade is sharper, it is the fault of The Resistance, not Her Majesty.

As infuriating as it is, I feel we can’t hold most of The Resistance responsible for their actions. They have been preyed upon by more sinister forces, by leaders who claim that they can rule the kingdom better than Her Majesty. But there is one member who I find… unforgivable. Whose actions go far beyond that of The Resistance.

Mira… Mira. Who grew up alongside us in these palace walls, as close as a sister to The Queen. And closer with me.

An entire future was laid out for Mira; an easy life. Stay the course, and enjoy a powerful position at court. Her parents had even arranged a… a betrothal to a man from another respectable family. But Mira was never one to follow rules, I suppose.

The amount of times she was caught sneaking outside the palace walls when we were children, I thought her parents might nail her feet to the very floor. She wanted to be around real people, she told them. The townspeople who led interesting lives and saw parts of the country she'd only been allowed to read about in books. People who told jokes and laughed and hugged each other in greeting.

Even before Her Majesty took the throne, the court was too formal for her, Mira. It was, to her, a gilded cage. Though they were close friends, twins practically, so alike in every way, but this. The Queen always thought Mira was ridiculous for these thoughts. For Her Majesty, there was nothing better than a beautiful gown or knights dancing in silk slippers.

Mira would tease that Her Majesty had a head full of feathers, no room for any serious thought. But that was before. Before Mira fled the court and became a traitor to… to us all.

If it troubled Her Majesty to learn that Mira joined up with The Resistance, then nothing but an extremist fringe group hiding out in the forest, she never showed it. But I… Oh… well, it was my fault, really. For allowing myself to grow too close to Mira.

I swore an unbreakable oath to Her Majesty twenty years ago, and I was meant to forswear all other attachments. But when Mira asked me for lessons in swordsmanship, I found myself unable to say no. When those lessons became more frequent, I did nothing to deter her. And when she pressed her body closer than necessary… when she let me pin her up when I knew she had the skills to escape… I…

(A knocking is heard coming from the door.)

“Yes? Oh, Arthur, Arthur, yes, come in, hello.”

“No, no, no, no, you’re not interrupting anything, I’m just updating my journal… In fact, I’m glad you’ve come, I’m afraid this last entry got away from me a bit. This last page is completely useless. Sentimentality has no place in The Protector’s chronicles.”

(Robb tears away a page of his journal.)

“There. I’ll start over from the middle. Now, what is it that brings you here, Arthur?”

“The Queen wishes to see me? Now? Did she say what it was about?”

“No, no, of course, you’re right, she doesn’t owe us an explanation–”

“Give me a moment to wrap this up and I’ll come to the throne room.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I’ll be quick. Do you forget that I’ve been the Queen’s Protector for her entire reign, Arthur? I know not to keep Her Majesty waiting. Thank you.”

(Arthur exits, the sound of the door closing behind him.)

Still letting Mira get to me after all this time… I can’t afford to make a mistake like that. Mira is at the heart of this resistance and she is a threat to Her Majesty. She will be dealt with accordingly.

(With the gentle tap of an ink pen on glass, Robb closes his notebook.)

Now… to see what Her Majesty needs.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Your Majesty, you requested my presence.”

“An update on The Resistance, yes, um… yes of course. We know, of course, that The Resistance has grown significantly over the last year… that many of their members no longer even bother with hiding. They have control of several key farming provinces at the Southern border, which they are using to cause food shortages, exclusively for the Upper Classes, especially those in the cities. There has been a big loss of income for a number of important families, many of which I believe have representatives here at court. Those members of The Resistance in smaller towns have taken to proselytizing in the streets with little fear of punishment, leading us to believe they’ve gaines allies in local sheriffs and watchmen. We’ve sent watchmen of The Queen’s Guard to impose order, but I must confess it is my opinion that this leaves us more exposed here at court. We know that the leaders of The Resistance mean… well, they mean to overthrow Your Majesty by any means necessary.”

(A gasp falls over the court.)

“This is, of course, the talk of madmen who fail to recognize all that Your Majesty ahs done for her people, and as your sworn Protector, it is my greatest duty to ensure that this never, ever happens.”

“Yes, I agree, The Resistance has succeeded for too long, and I take this as a personal failure. I have been tracking several key leaders of The Resistance, and I–”

“Mira?”

(Whispering can be heard among the court members.)

“Yes, yes, including Mira. The leaders of The Resistance have stayed hidden in their stronghold within the forest, and–”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, and I know it is not my place… but, what do you mean, that isn’t true? All of our intelligence points towards Mira and the others at the fringe of our territories.”

“What? Mira is in the city?”

(A gasp falls over the court.)

“Well, I’m surprised that Arthur has heard Mira has infiltrated the city, all of my latest inquiries point to her being hundreds of miles from here.”

“No, of course, Your Majesty, I apologize for questioning you. If Arthur says Mira is in the city, I will make it my mission to find her. Yes, it’s true, Mira and I were close before she left the palace, yes.”

(The court can be heard shouting in disbelief.)

“Your Majesty –”

“Yes… yes, so close that she often shared my bed.”

(Whispering can be heard among the court members.)

“Yes, I often had Mira in my bed. I didn’t believe that you were aware of it, Your Majesty.”

“I swear to you, Your Majesty, my history with Mira will not make me soft on her. If anything, her betrayal has made her my most sworn enemy.”

“It’s true, I did allow Mira to distract me from my duties to The Queen then. I apologize, and I will accept any punishment Your Majesty deems necessary.”

“My punishment… is bringing Mira to you? I understand, Your Majesty. I will not fail at this. You will have Mira kneeling at your feet before the week is out, I promise.”

“So with your permission, I’ll get started right away. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

(Robb returns to his room, opening his journal once again.)

Well… Arthur’s information is sound. Why he brought it to The Queen directly instead of handing it over to me first is a question I’ll address later. But this new report, Mira is even closer than we thought.

She isn’t just in the city, she’s hiding somewhere just outside the palace walls. And considering how well Mira knows the walls, every weak point, every hidden door, every unguarded corner… I’ll just have to find her first.

It can’t possibly come to this but…

(With a metal sting, Robb unsheathes his sword.)

I better bring this too.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Alright, Mira. Where are you hiding…

She was once close with the Milliner's daughter. I wonder if he’s seen her… Let’s start there.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

It’s so empty in here…

“Oh, I apologize, madam, I was looking for the Milliner, is he here?”

“Oh, well, I’m so sorry to hear that, may I ask how he passed?”

“Yeah… The coughing sickness was going around, but… I didn’t think it was that bad this Winter.”

“He couldn’t afford to see a doctor? I… I don’t understand, why is your shop so empty?”

“Yes, The Queen’s regulations on the guild had an impact on quite a few businesses, I… I heard that. Although they weren’t meant to put people out of business entirely, and the taxes were raised, but that was for the benefit of the people.”

“Well, the funds were meant to improve conditions in the city.”

“Yeah, no… I… I suppose they don’t seem to have improved. I’m sorry for your loss… How did you know him?”

“He was your father…”

“I’m sorry. I wouldn't have expected a woman like you to take on the family business.”

“No, no, no, no, not… I didn’t mean it like that, I just meant… I just thought shopkeepers and tradesmen were meant to have apprentices, as per the… the guilds. And besides, I didn’t think families of tradesmen had to work.”

“Well, yeah, I suppose times are different… But, that’s not what I’m here to discuss. I know several years ago you were close with a member of The Queen’s court, a woman named Mira?”

“Yes, Mira. Have you seen her lately?”

“Yes, I am The Queen’s Protector, which is why it’s of the utmost importance that I f–”

“Why should you help me? Madam, I work for your queen, and your queen wishes to bring Mira back to court. It’s not your concern what she wants with Mira, only that Her Majesty is seeking her out, so have you seen Mira or not?”

“Really, you’ll say nothing? This is insubordination to the crown, you do know that, don’t you?”

“I didn't ask if you know where Mira is right now, I asked–”

“Alright. I can see I won’t be getting anywhere with you. But please remember that The Queen is looking for Mira and if you do learn anything concerning her whereabouts, it is your duty to report it to us right away. I’m letting you off this time, but if we discover you’re hiding anything from the crown, I’ll have no choice but to bring you in to receive punishment.”

“You have nothing to lose?”

(Rob scoffs.)

“Well, I’m sure that’s not true.”

“Alright, now, I’m going to keep up my search. I hope you have a good day.”

(Robb exits the Milliner’s shop. A crowd of people can be heard murmuring around him.)

I knew things were getting bad but to have defiance this flagrant just outside the palace walls… Mira… What have you done? Where are you?

(Robb gasps quietly.)

I… I don’t believe it. Is that… really… Mira?

She’s heading into the market… I just need to keep close enough to her to track where she goes but stay far enough away that she doesn't notice that she’s being followed.

I can’t believe she still looks the same. I suppose it’s only been a few years since she left, but I thought she’d… thought she’d be different somehow. Changed.

She even still wears her hair tied back with those leather laces… God, the things we did with those laces…

And her body. I’d be able to pick her out in any crowd…

“Ah! Sorry, uh, so sorry, sir, I didn’t see you there.”

“No, no, no, no, I’m fine, sir, that was my fault, besides, I – please, go about your day, I – I… I have to…”

I can’t let Mira out of my sight. I certainly can’t let thoughts of… us together distract me.

Robb, Robb, she is a traitor, she left court, she left court, whatever memories you have of Mira they’re nothing but ash now. Mira may not look any different than she did the last night you saw her, but everything has changed, Robb. Your loyalty is to your Queen, your duty is to your Queen. Mira was never anything but a distraction, and now she is a dangerous one.

So close… Where are you going, Mira?

“Oh, excuse me, I need– Madam? Madam! Excuse me, you’re in my way. Out of the way! I’m on The Queen’s business!”

Where is she? Damn it! I lost her…

Well, if I hadn’t already lost sight of her when thay cart cut me off, shouting in the middle of the market like that would’ve surely alerted her to my presence.

Maybe I can still catch up with her if I just–

“Hey! Hey! Unhand me! Unhand me! What do you think you’re–”

“Mira… Mira, let go of my wrist…”

“Obviously I won’t make a scene, Mira, do you think I’m so stupid as to start a fight with you in the middle of a crowded market in broad daylight like this? And this isn’t about me anyway, Mira, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Visiting old friends, I see. And does The Queen qualify as an old friend?”

“You know that I haven’t called Her Majesty by her name since the day she was crowned, that’s against my protocol, and more importantly, Mira, it’s impertinent, thought I would expect nothing less from you.”

“Yes, she was my friend, then she became my queen, and yours, might I remind you. Though I’m sure you haven’t forgotten that considering that your new obsession is ending her reign. You’re a traitor, Mira.”

“You think what you’ve done, what you’re still doing is justified? You’re a fool, Mira. The Resistance will fail and The Queen will have no choice but to punish you like the rest of them, and I’m here to make sure that happens. You’re coming back to court with me, Mira, and this time, you can’t sneak out in the middle of the night.”

“What a ridiculous thing to say. Her Majesty won’t kill you, Mira, you were a member of her court and you were one of her oldest friends.”

“I do, I do believe that, Mira. I’m not like you. I believe Her Majesty is good.”

“Well, if you won’t come with me, Mira, then I’ll have to take you.”

‘I can’t fight you here, and you know that. It would be too dangerous, too messy.”

“Mira, I can’t just let you– Mira? Mira! You can’t walk away from me!”

(Robb’s breathing becomes heavy.)

Fuck. Well, if she wants to play a game, I better make sure it’s one I win.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Alright, Mira, you may have given me the slip today but you didn’t cover your tracks well enough. I know that this is your safe house.

No one’s here.

Knowing her, I half expect this to be a trap, though I don’t see anything. I wish I could light a lamp in here to do a proper inspection but I need to make sure that she’s surprised when she returns. Luckily, the moon is near full, that’ll have to do.

This must be her.

(The door to Mira’s Safe House opens and closes.)

“Mira…”

(A sword is heard unsheathing. Robb laughs.)

“Oh, I see you’ve gotten even quicker on your draw. There’s no need to pull your sword on me. Not yet.”

“What do you mean ‘how did I find you’? If you didn’t mean for me to come here, you were a little sloppy. Very uncharacteristic of you.”

“I told you what I wanted earlier today in the market, I want you to come back to court with me to face your punishment with The Queen. I can’t imagine your punishment will be that severe, your family was so important at court. And the two of you were so close. You’ll have to spend some time in the dungeons, I’m sure.”

“Kill you? Not this again, Mira. It’s true that you have been an active member of The Resistance and Her Majesty cannot let that go unpunished, but you’ve let The Resistance get inside your head.”

‘“If I have to fight you, Mira… I will.”

(Robb unsheathes his sword.)

“Are we really gonna do this?”

“Fine. Let’s see what you remember from our lessons.”

(Robb is heard exhaling, their swords clanging against each other again and again.)

“Good, good!”

“Good, yeah, good, Mira, good. Though your leg work is still sloppy.”

(Robb exhales, laughing at her.)

“I thought I taught you better than that, Mira.”

(The two of them continue fighting, the metal of their swords ringing out. A gasp is heard from Robb.)

“You remembered my weak side. I’m touched.”

(The sword fight continues, the two of them panting as they anticipate each other’s next move. Mira loses her footing and tumbles backwards, her body flat against the wall.)

“But I see you haven’t worked on your stamina. At all.”

“Come on, Mira. I know you can fight your way out of this. You’re just gonna let me pin you up against the wall?”

(Robb breathes heavily.)

“Yeah, yes, I did like having you like this… But that was a long time ago. Come on, Mira. We’re just getting started. Push back against me.”

(Robb gasps, his breath taken away. Mira pushes back against him.)

“Not like that…”

“I thought I taught you to fight fair…”

“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, it’s not fair to grind your hips into mine like that.”

“Yes, well… that is hardly a surprising response to what you’re doing. The body remembers…”

“Nothing more. Mira…”

(Robb sighs, his head tilting backward.)

“Still your hips. I mean it, Mira.”

(Robb takes a hold of Mira, flipping the two of them around.)

“Alright, now it’s my turn.”

“Has it been a very long time since anybody’s touched you the way you like to be touched, Mira? The way that I did? All those night we snuck around the palace to be with each other… to explore each other… I haven’t been with anyone since you left, did you know that? Only you could satisfy me, Mira, only you…”

(Robb looks at Mira, his voice only a whisper.)

“You can’t imagine the levels of frustration I have pent up inside of me, Mira. The things I’ve thought about doing to you, the ways I want to have you.”

(Mira drops her sword. It clangs against the wooden floor.)

“Dropping your sword like that with the enemy on top of you. I taught you better, Mira. Still. Fair is fair.”

(Robb reaches between them, dropping his sword next to hers.)

“There. Now I have both hands free.”

(Robb sighs and swallows thickly.)

“Your body… God, you’ve always felt so good in my hands, haven’t you?”

“Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah…”

(Robb looks at Mira, his gaze cautionary.)

“I didn’t say you could move.”

“That’s it. I’m glad you still follow instructions so well. I think… you deserve a reward.”

(Robb looks at Mira, the moonlight dancing on his face. He leans forward slowly, closing the gap between them.)

“It’s been so long since I’ve tasted these lips…”

(Robb kisses Mira again, slowly, his hand cupping the side of her face.)

“I think that’s all you get.”

“Well… what have you done to deserve getting more of me? And it’s a shame, really… that bed in the corner doesn;t exactly look comfortable, but… when has that ever mattered?”

“...You’re so gorgeous…”

“Just like this, panting and writhing against me… Mira… The things I would do to you, Mira…”

(Robb sighs, his eyes shutting as Mira leans forward, touching him as he gasps.)

“No… No, no, I can’t do it. No. I knew this was a distraction.

(Robb bends down to pick up his sword, sheathing it in its holster.)

“I came here to bring you to the palace, not to get caught up in our old games. It was a mistake ever getting involved with you in the first place. I was meant to forswear all attachments when The Queen… It was all my fault. It was only ever gonna end badly. Even if you’d stayed at court and I should’ve known that. I don’t want to fight you, but you have to come back to court, Mira, you don’t have another choice.”

“What? I’m bleeding? Oh… Well, you got a good hit in. No, no, no, no, no. No. I don’t need you to help me. It’s a minor cut, I can take care of it when we’re back at the palace.”

“No–”

(Robb sighs as Mira stands up.)

“Okay fine you can help me, but if I let you do this, you’ll come back with me after. It really is just a minor cut, Mire you don’t– You don’t need to…”

“To fuss over it like this.”

“Yeah, it’s true. I did go and see the milliner's daughter today. I thought she might know where you were.”

“No, no, she didn’t tell me. You have loyal friends, Mira. I only found you through my own resourcefulness. Though… I have a feeling… you let me find you.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought… If you truly didn’t want to be found, I wouldn’t have been able to find this… ‘Safe house’.”

“The milliner's daughter? What does she have to do with this?”

“Alright, fine, what do I think about her? Well… she seemed a little hard, thought I suppose I would be too if… ah… I hadn’t heard that the milliner passed away.”

“Hey! Yes, I know what goes on outside the palace – I know these people too. Maybe not as well as you did when you were here, but still.”

“No, I’ll admit, I didn’t realize things had gotten this bad in the city. Though the winter was especially difficult here. I’m sure things are different out in–”

“Its that bad everywhere?”

“No, I didn't know. We get all our information from The Queen’s informants and the districts.”

“Yes, it’s just now occurring to me that they likely lied to please Her Majesty.”

“Mira, I think what you’re doing to help these people is admirable, I do, but you’re doing so at the expense of The Queen. Could you not do what you’re doing for her? Could you not come back to court and explain to her–”

“I don’t want to believe that. I don’t want to believe that Her Majesty is a different person than the girl that we knew. You’re wrong, Mira. You’re wrong.”

(Robb sits down on a wooden chair, placing his hands on his thighs, sighing.)

“But I won’t make you come back with me, Mira. Return to the forest and you can keep at your work for the people. But Mira… You must leave this city at once. Sleep a bit here if you need, but by dawn you need to be gone and you must abandon your plans for The Queen. You need to convince The Resistance to turn their efforts towards improving things for the people, not towards ending Her Majesty’s reign. If you don’t do that– if you don’t leave as soon as you possibly can, I can’t promise your safety, Mira. I am not the only one tasked with finding you. The others may not know you as well as I do but even as good as you are at sneaking around they will discover you eventually. If you came back with me– The Queen trusts me, I know she does, and I could… I could help you. But if you were found by one of the others… Just… You have to leave by morning, Mira. Swear it to me that you’ll go.”

“Mira, now is not the time to be so stubborn, your life is at stake, Mira, look at me. Look at me. Look in my eyes.”

“I know you hate to do as you’re told… but I need you to listen to me. Just this once.”

“Now? You’ll go tonight? Good… Alright. Alright, that’s good.”

(Robb stands to leave.)

“Goodbye, Mira.”

(The door closes behind him.)

…Goodbye.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Alright, no harm done. Mira will go back to the forest and I was the only one to spot her so Her Majesty will be none the wiser. I’ll tell her that my new source says Mira came to get support near the palace, she found none, and returned to The Resistance headquarters. I’m sure that’ll–

Wait…

A letter…

No one would dare enter my room to leave me a letter like this.

It’s unsigned…

With…

Something fell onto the floor…

(Robb lets out a gasp.)

…This is one of Mira’s leather laces…

(Robb looks at the letter in his hands, reading it aloud.)

“There was only one way you could ever tell me what to do, Robb.”

Mira…

So now she’s sneaking around inside the palace? Mira… Mira, Mira, Mira…